"Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated."

Letter to Sir Edward Newenham | Saturday, October 20, 1792

Editorial Notes

Washington is responding to Irish politician Edward Newenham's 22 December 1791 letter in which he lamented on the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in his country. Washington hoped that "the enlightened & liberal policy which has marked the present age would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see their religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of Society."